Dallas Cowboys are set to prioritize this offensive player in free agency
The offseason is here for the Dallas Cowboys, and their attention is turning toward how to improve from the 7-9-1 record they finished with in 2025.
A lot will go into the team’s improvement efforts, as owner Jerry Jones mapped out the potential for “dramatic” differences in the offseason to give the 2026 team a better shot at not only making the postseason, but succeeding in the playoffs for the first time in 30 years.
There will be a lot of change, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but there are pieces worth keeping the same. When it comes to the 21 impending free agents currently on the roster, the Cowboys have one in mind to prioritize: running back Javonte Williams.
“Javonte is at the top of our list to go out and sign,” executive vice president Stephen Jones said. “We want to bring him back, sign him to a multiple year deal.”
After a disappointing final season with the Denver Broncos in 2024, Williams bounced back to have a career year in his first season with the Cowboys in 2025. In 16 games, Williams ran for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns — both career-high marks.
“We’ve been talking about how we want to get started with his agent,” Jones said. “It’s my understanding he really wants to be back. Certainly, it’s one of our priorities to get him signed.”
In seeking a job last offseason, Williams found a starting role and potentially a permanent home in Dallas. His impact on the field has been invaluable, but it’s also been his impact in the locker room that has the Cowboys wanting him back.
“How crucial he’s been to this offense,” quarterback Dak Prescott said in December. “How great of a dude he is, how great of a teammate he is, you know, a quiet guy, but when he speaks it’s definitely heard. Anything he does is felt. He’s an important piece to what we’re doing right now.”
According to Spotrac market projections, Williams is expected to land a contract worth $22 million over the next three seasons.
This story was originally published January 9, 2026 at 2:06 PM.
